Triethanolamine is a colorless, transparent and viscous liquid at room temperature, with a slight ammonia smell. It is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture and carbon dioxide in the air. Can be freely mixed with water and alcohol, soluble in chloroform, slightly soluble in benzene and ether. The pH of 0.1moI/L solution is 10.5. There is a danger of burning when exposed to high heat, open flame or contact with oxidants. Its aqueous solution is corrosive.
Applications of triethanolamine in pharmaceutical excipients:
1. Emulsifier: Triethanolamine is a commonly used emulsifier in cream preparations. The emulsified cream product has the characteristics of fine and white paste. In addition, the colloidal phase formed by triethanolamine and higher fatty acids or higher fatty alcohols has good stability. The product quality is stable and it can accommodate high proportion of external ingredients.
2. Neutralizer: Triethanolamine contains acidic polymer structures such as carbomer to achieve thickening and moisturizing effects.
3. Used to prepare long-acting preparations, such as triethanolamine theophylline sustained-release capsules.